Sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors: A comprehensive review from cells to bedside

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors (SGLT2is) are oral medications approved for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Interestingly, during recent years, they have been promisingly considered as new medications for cardiovascular and kidney diseases. However, the mechanisms underlying these new benefits are not fully understood. Thanks to the discovery of multiple modes of action, the simple picture about mechanisms of action of SGLT2is has become more and more complex. Besides their effects in diabetes, there is increasing evidence for their beneficial effects in heart failure and chronic kidney diseases. In addition, many studies have provided evidence for the fruitful effects of SGLT2is in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. In this study, we present mounting evidence for the complex action modes of SGLT2is and their current applications in clinical practice.